Paid NASA Pathways Student Internship

NASA's Pathways Internship Program hires US college and certificate students as paid interns who work at NASA centers across multiple semesters until they graduate. It is built as a direct pipeline into NASA: interns who meet the conversion requirements can be moved into a full-time permanent or term job after their degree without applying again. This record covers the Spring 2027 intake, which starts on January 25, 2027.

What you get:

• A paid federal position; starting pay depends on academic hours completed, location and GS grade level
• Benefits NASA says can match a permanent employee's, including health, dental, vision and life insurance, a retirement plan, paid leave and holidays
• A mentor and an Individual Development Plan setting out your assignments and training
• Consideration for a full-time permanent or 1 to 6 year term job at NASA after graduation, with no further job application

What you'll do:

• Work on real engineering, science, safety or business assignments inside an existing NASA team
• Alternate periods of work at NASA with periods of study, completing at least 480 hours before you graduate
• Choose up to two NASA center locations that are hiring for your position when you apply

Key dates:

• US citizen (the Applicant Guide says US citizen or national)
• At least 16 years old
• Enrolled, or accepted for enrollment, at least half time at an accredited educational institution, pursuing a degree or certificate
• Cumulative GPA of at least 2.9 on a 4.0 scale, maintained throughout
• Able to complete at least 480 hours of work before finishing your degree or certificate
• A qualifying major for the specific position; all engineering positions require an ABET-accredited engineering school
• Must sign a Pathways Participant Agreement and pass a pre-employment background investigation
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with Selective Service or exempt
• Must be available to start within the vacancy's set timeframe; Spring 2027 positions start January 25, 2027